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- Tasks: Lead the development and success of an innovative drone camera product.
- Company: Fast-scaling defence-tech startup at the forefront of unmanned systems innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, stock options, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Be the CEO of a groundbreaking product and drive real change in the drone industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex products and leading cross-functional teams.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a strong growth trajectory and exciting challenges ahead.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The company: We are a profitable, fast-scaling defence-tech startup - operating on the extreme edge of innovation in the evolving domain of unmanned systems / drones. Our world-class team of Engineers are delivering solutions deemed impossible by many, for some of the most complex and challenging problems in the Drones / UAS space. With strong revenue growth, a loyal customer base, and an ambitious scaling plan, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth — and this is a rare opportunity to join at the moment it matters most.
The role: The Programme Manager role is in essence the CEO of one of our most successful and innovative products - an advanced and unique camera & video compression unit for drones, with mass market potential. You'll wake up and go to bed thinking about the product. As the owner of the product's success, the Programme Manager reports directly to our Founder & CEO.
The Programme Manager works from the customer backwards. They exist to answer and execute against:
- Who are the customers? What are their needs?
- What resources (time, money, people) does the team need to solve for them?
- How will it go to market?
- What will I then deliver to whom, when?
- How will I scale to millions of pounds of sales?
What you will do:
- Own the product end-to-end: product, programme, delivery and commercial success.
- Define the product roadmap from customer need, operational feedback and company priorities.
- Turn customer problems into clear requirements, priorities, timelines and delivery plans.
- Lead cross-functional execution across engineering, operations, supply chain, test, sales and support.
- Decide what gets built, by when, with what resources, and to what standard.
- Work directly with customers and users to shape product-market fit, pricing, positioning and go-to-market.
- Drive trials, fielding, iteration and scale-up from early adoption to meaningful revenue growth.
- Track performance relentlessly: delivery, reliability, user impact, unit economics and sales conversion.
- Build the team, operating rhythm and external partnerships needed to make it a category-defining product.
Essential skills/experience:
- Proven experience owning and delivering a complex product or programme from concept to scaled deployment.
- Strong product judgement: able to work from the customer backwards and make clear trade-offs on scope, time and cost.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and aligning engineers, operators, commercial teams and senior stakeholders.
- Commercial instinct and execution ability: able to translate a great product into revenue, adoption and scale.
- Strong grasp of hardware-enabled or technically complex products; able to engage credibly with engineers without needing to be the deepest technical specialist.
- Excellent programme management: structured, organised, decisive, and able to drive momentum in ambiguity.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex issues for customers and leadership.
- High ownership, pace and resilience; comfortable acting as the de facto CEO of a product.
- Willingness to spend significant time with customers, users and internal teams to get the product right.
"Nice to have" skills/experience:
- Experience in drones, defence, robotics, edge devices, sensors, radios or other mission-critical hardware/software products.
- Exposure to video, streaming, compression, computer vision or embedded systems.
- Experience taking a product from early-stage adoption to repeatable sales growth.
- Knowledge of IP radios or SDRs (software defined radios).
Compensation:
- Competitive annual salary
- Performance bonus
- Employee stock options
- Life insurance
- Private health insurance (family plan)
- 35 days annual leave including public holidays
Programme Manager in Hemel Hempstead employer: Stealth mode defence-tech startup
Contact Detail:
Stealth mode defence-tech startup Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence-tech space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the product! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to express your enthusiasm for drones and unmanned systems. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to the product's success and growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! As a Programme Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to think on your feet. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and be ready to discuss how you would tackle real-world challenges related to product delivery and customer needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your genuine interest in joining our innovative team. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Product: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the product shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the success of our innovative camera and video compression unit.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in programme management and product ownership. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex products, so be specific about your achievements!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. Remember, you’ll need to simplify complex issues for customers and leadership, so show us you can do that in your application too.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the right moment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stealth mode defence-tech startup
✨Know the Product Inside Out
As a Programme Manager, you'll be the product's biggest advocate. Make sure you understand every detail of the advanced camera and video compression unit. Familiarise yourself with its features, benefits, and potential customer pain points. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your passion for the product.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Leadership Skills
You'll need to lead diverse teams, so be ready to discuss your experience in aligning engineers, operations, and commercial teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional projects in the past, highlighting your ability to drive momentum and make tough decisions under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Customer-Centric Thinking
The role requires a strong focus on customer needs. Be prepared to talk about how you've previously gathered customer feedback and turned it into actionable product requirements. Show that you can think from the customer's perspective and prioritise their needs in your decision-making process.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and product judgement. Think through potential challenges you might encounter in this role, such as resource allocation or market entry strategies, and prepare structured responses that showcase your analytical thinking and strategic planning abilities.